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National Justice Summit 2024: FG, International IDEA, others call For Reforms in judicial appointment processes
National Justice Summit 2024: FG, International IDEA, others call For Reforms in judicial appointment processes
•Summit seeks reduction of CJN’s powers
By: Michael Mike
Federal Ministry of Justice, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), and other stakeholders in the nation’s judiciary have made far reaching recommendations that will address the issues of judicial appointment process, funding and eradicating delays in the administration of justice in Nigeria, at the just concluded two-day National Summit on Justice 2024.
The event was organised by the Federal Government in collaboration with the European Union funded RoLAC II Programme of the International IDEA.
In a communique issued at the end of the summit at the weekend, it was noted that the National Policy on Justice 2024 to 2028, will now serve as a roadmap, paving the way for a more efficient, equitable and responsive justice system for all Nigerians.
Chairman, Joint Planning Committee of the Justice Summit, Dr Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, who read the communique, said the summit had three technical sessions.
Ajibade stated that the general consensus reached at the summit was that the role of the National Judicial Council in discharging its responsibility for judicial appointments into the Superior Court of record required significant review.
The stakeholders expressed concern about the fact that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who is the chairman of the NJC is also the chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, the body that initially reviews proposals or lists of candidates by appointment into judicial office.
The summit pointed out the seeming inconsistency between the CJN playing both roles, as it would appear that he is recommending candidates to himself being chairman of both bodies, and being the person who appoints a significant number of the members of both bodies other than those who are statutory members.
There’s a general consensus by the summit on the need to reconstitute or propose reconstitution of both the NJC and the FJSC.
On the role of the State Judicial Service Commission in judicial appointmens, the summit concluded that there was a significant need to ensure that composition of the SJSC is more diverse, that it reflects the interests of the users of the justice sector.
Stakeholders noted the fact that the current NJC guidelines may have subverted the intent of the constitutional provision, empowering the SJSC to make judicial appointments, because the NJC guidelines, rather than authorising the SJSC to prepare a shortlist of potential candidates for judicial appointments, appear to address that responsibility solely in the Chairman (Chief Judges of States).
The summit therefore called for an amendment of the aspect of the NJC guidelines to make clear that the development or preparation of shortlist of candidates for judicial appointments is something that is to be done by the Commissions as a whole and not just by the Chief Judges.
On the general approach that ought to be taken to reforming the judicial appointments process, the summit stressed that focus should be on increased transparency in the appointment process, meritocracy and on meaningful performance evaluations of those who seek judicial office.
Also, it was recommended that Nigeria should consider the model that is currently being used in Kenya.
There was a consensus on the need to codify the judicial appointments process, such that the discretion that is currently witnessed in the appointments process is reduced to the barest minimum.
On funding, budgeting and administration for the judiciary, the summit resolved
that the current process for funding the courts was totally deficient as it was evident that the provisions of the Constitution as amended by the Fifth Amendment, authorising that funding for the State courts should be a joint effort carried out by the executive and the judiciary was not being implemented in any shape or form in the majority of the states.
Clear recommendations were made that this was something that needed to be pursued and dealt with decisively, as the summit stated that funding of the judiciary at the federal level is much better than what obtains in the States of the Federation.
More so, the summit observed the need to professionalise the administration of the courts, as well as to appoint persons with clear administrative experience to be selected through a transparent process to administer the courts, and to separate the administration of the courts from the administration of justice.
On eradicating delays in the administration of justice agenda for leveraging the rules of procedure and effective case management in Nigeria, the panel considered the importance of limiting the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, and ensuring that matters that would go to the Supreme Court would only be matters of significant national importance.
The summit held that before a matter goes to apex court, it would only be by the leave of the Supreme Court, and that the automatic right of appeal to the will be severely curtailed and will be limited only to matters relating to the office and the election into the office of the president of the federation, Vice President and, and Governors of the States.
National Justice Summit 2024: FG, International IDEA, others call For Reforms in judicial appointment processes
Zulum Opens UBEC 28th Quarterly Meeting in Maiduguri
… Says Borno invested 53.6b on Education in 2025
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Wednesday, declared open the 28th Quarterly Meeting of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), stating that the State Government invested over N53.6 billion in education sector in 2025.
The meeting, which brings together Executive Chairmen and management of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) from across the federation, is held at the International Conference Centre of Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.
In his opening address, Governor Zulum underscored the critical role of education in fostering peace and development. He highlighted Borno’s significant investments in rebuilding educational infrastructure destroyed by insurgency, including the construction of over 104 new schools and the recruitment of thousands of teachers in the last six years.
“This administration has prioritised the strengthening of our teaching workforce, with an investment of Four Billion (₦4 billion) in teacher training. This effort includes a comprehensive verification and professionalisation exercise, the recruitment of four thousand (4,000) qualified teachers and the provision of large-scale training for over eleven thousand (11,000) basic-level teachers.
The state promptly implemented the minimum wage and improved teacher welfare through measures such as rural posting allowances, the construction of teachers’ quarters across senatorial zones, and the settlement of outstanding gratuities.
In the current year alone, the state has invested eighteen billion, nine hundred and eighty-seven million, sixty-nine thousand, six hundred and seventy-five-naira, thirty-three kobo (₦18,987,069,675.33) in some major education infrastructure alone across all local government areas. Two of these projects are among those commissioned by the honourable minister today.
In the tertiary education sector, the state recorded notable progress through major infrastructure upgrades, expanded staffing and sustained accreditation efforts. We invested six billion, nine hundred and sixty-three million, one hundred and fifty thousand naira only (₦6,963,150,000) in capital projects across key institutions. We approved an additional One Billion Naira (₦1 billion) to support the transition of the College of Education, Bama, into the new Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship. To enhance institutional capacity, 567 academic staff were recruited across tertiary institutions.”
Additional expenditures cover infrastructure upgrades to support technical and vocational education, investments in ICT and Digital literacy, scholarships, and support for Arabic and Almajiri education.
In his remarks, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, charged delegates to engage in purposeful and productive discussions. He emphasised that the outcome of the meeting must translate into actionable policies that address current challenges, such as out-of-school children, teacher development, and infrastructure deficits.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, called for an insightful deliberation. Se stressed the importance of the quarterly meeting as a vital platform for peer review, experience sharing, and strategic alignment between the federal and state levels.
Before the opening ceremony, the minister of education, alongside Governor Zulum and the UBEC executive secretary, commissioned three newly completed mega schools in Maiduguri.
Two of the schools, located in Bulabulin and Kaleri, were constructed by Borno State Government. At the same time, the Bilingual Education Boarding School Ngarannam was built by the federal government and funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
Zulum Opens UBEC 28th Quarterly Meeting in Maiduguri
News
Arraignment, Bail Of Ogwashi-Uku Defendants, Patrick Osamor, Augustine Ashi Marks New Phase In Criminal Probe
Arraignment, Bail Of Ogwashi-Uku Defendants, Patrick Osamor, Augustine Ashi Marks New Phase In Criminal Probe
The security situation in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom took another major step today, 11 December 2025, as Patrick Izu Osammor and Augustine Nwafor Ashi were formally arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/594/2025.
The duo, previously held at Keffi Prison, face allegations connected to a coordinated plot to destabilise the kingdom.
Dramatic Bail Hearing
The court granted the defendants bail after a forceful plea by their lawyer, Barrister Steve Emelieze, who made the unusual offer to deposit his Call-to-Bar certificate to assure the court that the defendants would not abscond. Other sureties—including the ODA Abuja President, Diokpa Patrick Obi—also undertook to guarantee their attendance throughout the trial.
Despite the court’s approval, the defendants failed to perfect the bail terms and were consequently remanded to Kuje Correctional Centre. Our reporter witnessed correctional officers escorting them back into custody. Their trial is scheduled to begin on 11 March 2025.
The judge warned the defendants to maintain strict good behaviour and avoid any acts that may breach the peace or interfere with ongoing investigations, noting that any misconduct could lead to an immediate revocation of bail.
Background to the Case
Osammor and Ashi were arrested in October 2025 following months of intelligence-gathering directed by the Inspector General of Police.
Investigators allege that they played central roles in a campaign of misinformation, incitement, and mobilisation of factions aimed at destabilising Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
Both men, along with others still at large, are longstanding supporters of the Umu Obi Dieyi faction, which lost its challenge to the Ogwashi-Uku throne at the High Court, Court of Appeal, and finally the Supreme Court.
In court today were Barr. Victor Nobei and Barr. Francis Okolie, lawyers known to represent the faction. Barr. Okolie is himself facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Asaba for allegedly participating in the violent attack on the Obi in October 2023.
Investigation Expands
Police sources confirm that the investigation has now broadened to include fresh threats against His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, and possible links between the defendants and individuals already on trial for the 2023 palace attack. Investigators believe the current activities may be a continuation of that earlier plot.
Attempts by some suspects to block their arrest through Fundamental Rights applications have been dismissed by senior police lawyers as legally baseless, noting that courts cannot restrain the police from investigating crime.
Police Vow to Pursue All Leads
A senior officer told our reporter: “The police will follow every lead. Anyone found liable in the attempt to plunge Ogwashi-Uku into crisis will be brought to justice. No one is above the law.”
As the kingdom awaits the commencement of trial in March 2025, many residents hope that this case will finally expose the full network behind the unrest and help restore lasting peace.
Arraignment, Bail Of Ogwashi-Uku Defendants, Patrick Osamor, Augustine Ashi Marks New Phase In Criminal Probe
Yobe: MBICA to commence full operation
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA), Damaturu, Yobe State, will soon commence full commercial operations.
This was contained in a signed service level agreement with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Managing Director Mr. Farouq Ahmed Umar, and the Yobe State Government.
At the signing of the agreement, the Yobe State government was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Hon. Muhammad Muhammad Bara, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam FCVSN.
Under the agreement, NAMA will provide critical services to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant aerodrome operations at the Cargo Airport, including Air Traffic Control (ATC) Services and managing aircraft movements within the airport airspace.
In the agreement, others include communication services provision and maintenance of aeronautical communication systems, navigation and surveillance systems, instrument landing systems radar coverage, and flight path monitoring.
Therefore, this brings Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA) to the verge of full compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) operational and safety standards.
Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) ensures pilots and airlines receive up-to-date flight and operational information, and search and rescue coordination support within national airspace regulations would also be provided under the agreement.
Yobe: MBICA to commence full operation
Zulum Opens UBEC 28th Quarterly Meeting in Maiduguri
Arraignment, Bail Of Ogwashi-Uku Defendants, Patrick Osamor, Augustine Ashi Marks New Phase In Criminal Probe
Major Boost For Education Sector As VP Shettima Launches Dangote Foundation Scholarship Initiative
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